title: CNS germinomas: what is the best treatment strategy?
abstract: CNS germ cell tumors are rare primary brain malignancies. Germinomas comprise approximately two-thirds of CNS germ cell tumors. Owing to their radiosensitivity, radiotherapy has been used to treat patients with CNS germinomas, with favorable treatment outcomes. Historically, craniospinal irradiation has been used. Given the concerns over long-term toxicities associated with craniospinal irradiation, reduced volume radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy has been employed. Data on the use of different strategies in the treatment of CNS germinomas are emerging but a standard strategy has not been established. This article reviews the different strategies used in the management of CNS germinomas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Trauma Center, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1178, USA. mersi.hadzi@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mersiha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hadziahmetovic
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cavaliere
authors.forename: Nina A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Mayr
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Montebello
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Grecula
authors.forename: Herbert B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: Eric L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Simon S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Lo
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D018237:Germinoma / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000639:trends*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents